VODG sets out ways to reduce the disability and employment gap

A new VODG report calls for more practical solutions to close the disability employment gap.

Closing the disability and employment gap outlines successful employment and training schemes delivered by specialist disability organisations. It includes recommendations for government, employers and care providers to boost employment for working-age disabled people.

The publication is a response to the recent green paper on work, health and disability, which VODG hopes will spark fresh dialogue between policy makers, disabled people, businesses and charities.

VODG chief executive Dr Rhidian Hughes said:

“The disability employment gap is unacceptable. For too long, the presumption has been that disabled people cannot or do not want to work and that the process of supporting people into work is costly and complex. When employment is a positive choice for disabled people it can help to improve health outcomes, wellbeing, social inclusion and life chances. The projects featured in our report are proof of this – if such work is replicated more widely, there will be a better chance that disabled people experience more equity in employment.”

Around the UK, the report explains, VODG members and their partners deliver successful schemes to support more disabled people into work. Examples in the report reflect the experiences of disability support providers that employ disabled people, deliver supported employment programmes or run internship schemes.

The recommendations in Closing the disability and employment gap include:

clarity from government on whether the new Work and Health Programme will include options like supported internships

an increase in specific support for disabled workers, including specialist job advisors and in-work job coaches

making supported employment a locally delivered national priority as many schemes are closing due to public sector cuts

a focus by employers on specialised recruitment and retention, such as accessible adverts and interview processes.